Rep. Michael McCaul, head of House committee on homeland security, says hostage taking in Algeria illustrates reach of Islamic militants

The Texan heading the House Committee on Homeland Security – Congressman Michael McCaul – says North Africa has become “the next frontier in the war on terror.”

The former federal prosecutor and counterterrorism expert says Islamic militants’ seizure of hostages at a natural gas facility in the Algerian desert illustrates that “terrorist franchises” have found “new safe havens allowing them to reconstitute” in open areas across Africa.

“The terrorist attack in Algeria, stemming from the continued rise of Al Qaida in North Africa, should present a renewed call for vigilance to our intelligence community and the Department of Homeland Security both at home and abroad,” McCaul said in a statement.

“Al Qaida’s North African franchises have become emboldened by our timid response to Benghazi (and) have gained significant wealth by ratcheting up kidnappings for ransom,” McCaul said. “They use this wealth to fund operations against the West — and have reach inside the United States.”

McCaul warned that Al-Qaida in North Africa remains “a security threat we cannot afford to underestimate,” adding that Islamist extremists remain committed to killing Americans and disrupting the U.S. way of life.”